Social Support & Caregiving

Are You Caring for Another Adult?The best way to help is to recognize it is not all up to you.

Did you know that one out of four adults helps a family member with a physical or cognitive disability, is ill, or is frail due to older age? Organizations providing supportive services to these helpers refer to them as “caregivers.”

In Montgomery County, our local government, non-profit organizations and private businesses can help caregivers and their loved ones live well in the community.

Knowledgeable County professionals help seniors and their caregivers with a wide range of topics and advice. Staff listen, rec- ommend local resources around the County, and help with program applications when needed. Calls are answered directly by a trained staff person. If specialists are busy, your wait on hold should be less than 30 seconds. You can also choose to leave a mes- sage for a call-back within one business day.

Hours are Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m. For the convenience of caregivers who may not be able to call during the work day staff take calls until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Take advantage of many free services for caregivers including a helpline, support groups, library and newsletter. The center offers a Caregiver Telephone Helpline (301-754-7152) to answer questions about services and resources for caregivers. Caregiver support groups for spouses and adult children provide a place to share sor- rows and successes, resources and solutions. Classes are available on topics ranging from handling a parent’s finances to first aid and CPR. The center’s health information library provides caregivers access to books, DVDs, audiotapes and videotapes on caregiver issues and health-related topics, as well as listings of aging adult services in our community. The center’s newsletter is published three times a year to provide tips, book reviews, resources, articles on care- giving, and listings of the center’s upcoming seminars, lectures and support groups.

Respite Services of Montgomery County

Respite is short-term relief and support for families providing ongoing care to frail older adults and people with disabilities. Mont- gomery County recognizes caregivers’ need for respite and works with over thirty agen- cies providing care throughout the County. Respite Services of Montgomery County can help families find the most appropriate pro- vider. Financial subsidies are available for qualified individuals and families.

Learn as much as possible about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24-hour Helpline, 1-800-272-3900, and attend local support groups and events offered by the National Capital Chapter. Care consultation and other supportive services for families are also available.

Connect-A-Ride

Access this free, County-funded information and referral program that helps seniors
and people with disabilities find safe transportation for medical services, grocery shopping, errands and other needs.
Connect-A-Ride staff provide guidance for those applying for Metro Access and Call N Ride and for those seeking paid and volunteer escorted transportation services. Some financial subsidies are available for those who qualify.

Financial Assistance

In some cases, financial subsidies are available to help pay for assisted living, adult day care, in-home aide services, healthcare, and home modifications for qualified individuals. Staff of Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services can help explore these possibilities.

Free website for coordinating a group of family and friends to help with various tasks. Caregivers set up a members-only community and then post jobs on the website’s calendar, such as providing a ride to the doctor or do- ing laundry. E-mail is sent to the community members to alert them to new tasks.

Helpful Organizations and Websites for Seniors

Montgomery County Senior Resource Line 240-777-3000 (TTY 240-777-4575)
Find out about senior services available in your community. If in doubt, call us!

Alzheimer’s Association 24-hour Free Hotline 1-800-272-3900
The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline provides reliable information and support to all those who need assistance. Call toll-free anytime day or night. The Hotline is designed for caregivers, people with memory loss, health care professionals, and the public. Highly trained and knowledgeable staff can help you with:

Understanding memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer's

Medications and other treatment options

General information about aging and brain health

Skills to provide quality care and to find the best care from professionals

Legal, financial and living-arrangement decisions

Resources

Support Groups - Online
Many people find the flexibility and anonymity of online support groups (which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) to be more useful than in-person gatherings. Below are several on-line support groups that might be beneficial to you.Read a 2007 Orlando Sentinel article about support groups: “The stressed, ill and alone find solace in online support groups."